'Trapped' might be apt. Based in eastern Kurdistan since late Aug though with the referendum and the death of the ex-Iraqi president Talibani (a Kurd) classes have not started yet - basically a 2-month holiday on full pay.

We can leave Kurdistan on a domestic flight to Baghdad but there would be insuperable problems returning to Baghdad to Kurdistan due to visa issues.

As for Kurdistan being a 'war zone' - somewhat disproportionate remark to say the least.

'Trapped' might be apt. Based in eastern Kurdistan since late Aug though with the referendum and the death of the ex-Iraqi president Talibani (a Kurd) classes have not started yet - basically a 2-month holiday on full pay.

We can leave Kurdistan on a domestic flight to Baghdad but there would be insuperable problems returning to Baghdad to Kurdistan due to visa issues.

As for Kurdistan being a 'war zone' - somewhat disproportionate remark to say the least.

Lucky you. We were teaching like zombies last Thursday after a sleepless night of gunfire celebrating imaginary victories.

Does anyone know about a fee for the airport in Baghdad. I heard they were waving the visa requirement to transfer - many countries don't require a visa just for an airport transfer anyway - but two travel agencies informed me the Baghdad airport is charging a 500,000 IQD fee for transfer through Baghdad.

So if that's true they're basically extorting money from people trying to leave. I mean I realize they're over-extended with too many flights but that's ridiculous.

I asked the US embassy and they didn't know but heard people might be charged between 100,000 to 500,000 depending on length of stay in Kurdistan. I asked my employer who seemed entirely unconcerned and basically said you figure it out.

I asked the US embassy and they didn't know but heard people might be charged between 100,000 to 500,000 depending on length of stay in Kurdistan. I asked my employer who seemed entirely unconcerned and basically said you figure it out.

Unfortunately, these types of pricy fees aren't unusual in countries with unstable governments and/or economies. (Some of us remember the Arab Spring.) Given the bad blood between the Iraqi central government in Baghdad and the KRG, the high cost to transfer through Baghdad from Kurdistan shouldn't be a surprise. (See Iraq halts international flights to Kurdistan Region.) Anyway, it's your responsibility to pay unless explicitly covered by your employer per your contract.

I asked the US embassy and they didn't know but heard people might be charged between 100,000 to 500,000 depending on length of stay in Kurdistan. I asked my employer who seemed entirely unconcerned and basically said you figure it out.

Unfortunately, these types of pricy fees aren't unusual in countries with unstable governments and/or economies. (Some of us remember the Arab Spring.) Given the bad blood between the Iraqi central government in Baghdad and the KRG, the high cost to transfer through Baghdad from Kurdistan shouldn't be a surprise. (See Iraq halts international flights to Kurdistan Region.) Anyway, it's your responsibility to pay unless explicitly covered by your employer per your contract.

I work in the news media and am well aware of the current situation here as far as the halt to international flights, as everyone here is. No one, including the embassy seems to be aware of transfer costs. Anyway, thanks for the input, I guess I should say.

Last edited by cartago on Sun Oct 22, 2017 5:41 am; edited 1 time in total

I honestly don't feel unsafe here but was wanting to leave for awhile for personal reasons. However I think I'm going to take another position while actually may be better than my current one so maybe this will work out, hope so. It's an interesting time anyway.

I get the impression that there may well be a $420 charge on the basis that the Iraqis don't recognise our Kurdish iqamas. That is to say that we would be considered illegals. And, no it isn't our personal responsibility.